CHINTA KERAJAAN KITA

Sunday, September 5, 2010

THE BEGINNING OF MIGRATION

THE BEGINNING OF MIGRATION

The auspicious days of celebrating the birth of our Master of the Agehave renewed our desire to know more about him. Carrying his love,we begin to traverse the valley of His greatness. We carry hisremembrance and his name in this world of knowledge and light andprepare ourselves for the journey.You are a migrant in this spiritual migration. The provisions of yourjourney are sincerity, the helper is Allah and the guide is the Wali ofAllah.The journey is within yourself. What is the result of this journey andmigration?It is self accounting. Regarding those duties which have been madecompulsory for us by Imam-e-Zamana (May our lives be sacrificed forhim) and we have made a covenant to fulfill those duties.Those duties towards which we are totally inattentive. The utternegligence on our part has made Hazrat sad. Hazrat complains toAllah for the acts of his people.This is the time to spread the name and fill the whole world with theremembrance of Hazrat (a.s.) to invite the people towards hisintellectual revolution to create the conditions favourable for hisreappearance so that he (a.s.) may fill the earth with the sweet scentof his reappearance and the buds of, belief may bloom in the gardenof his universal kingdom. Justice and knowledge may becomePresented by www.ziaraat.comGlimpses of Al Mahdi (a.s.)widespread. These are some of the results that become manifest onthe blessed occasion of the birth of Hazrat Baqiyatullah (May our livesbe sacrificed for him) Insha Allah.We now begin our discussion with the words of Hazrat (a.t.f.s.), sothat the words which emanate from the soul shall become embeddedin our soul. We may thus become aware that the holy personality iswith us. It is this personality which helps us in this age of difficultiesand turmoil, and it is this being which guards and cares for us."In the Name of Allah the Beneficent, the MercifulMay Allah protect us from the mischief. And may Allah bestowus with the soul of certainty and save us from a dreadful end.A group from amongst you has created doubts regardingreligion. We have received reports of the doubts that theyharboured regarding their "Master of affairs."I became aggrieved, not for my sake but for you. Because Allah iswith us and we are not in need of anyone but Him. And the truth iswith us. Hence, I am not worried if anyone forgoes our obedience andleadership...O people! Why are you involved in doubts and uncertainties. Andwhy, in a condition of bewilderment and astonishment you havemade it a doubtful problem? Don’t you know that the Almighty hassaid:"O those who believe, obey Allah and obey his Prophet andthose who have been given authority from among you."Don’t you know that according to the "hadiths" and narrations yourpast and the future Imams (a.s.) will have to face various calamities?Have you not seen that from the time of Adam (a.s.) up to that ofImam Hasan al Askari (a.s.) Allah has always provided for you arefuge. Allah has also established clear signs for you to recognisethem, so that you can obtain guidance through their medium. Andthat too in a way that whenever one of these signs were to disappearfrom your sight it would soon be replaced by another. And whenevera star sets, another star would begin to shine.Do you think that after the death of Imam Hasan al Askari (a.s.)Presented by www.ziaraat.comGlimpses of Al Mahdi (a.s.)Allah had forsaken this religion and discontinued the medium thatconnected Him and His creatures?No! It had not been so. It will not be till the day of Qiyamat and tillthe day of the reappearance of the Proof of Allah. Though thedisbelievers are averse to it.Imam Hasan al Askari (a.s.) departed from this world in a righteousway. But like his forefathers he had left behind his will regarding hisknowledge and his legatee among us. And except for the blatantdisbelievers and tyrants no one disputes with us regarding thisexalted position of Imamat. And except for the infidel who hasabandoned truth, no one claims for himself this exalted position.If there had been no risk of subordination of Allah and betrayal of Hissecrets, our right upon you would have become manifest in such agrand manner that you would have been astonished and all yourdoubts would have disappeared. But whatever Allah the Almighty hasdesired and whatever is written in Lauh-e-Mahfooz (the protectedtablet) has to be fulfilled.Therefore, you also must fear Allah and surrender yourselves to us.Leave all the affairs to us so that every type of goodness may reachthe people from our existence. Do not insist upon being informedabout all that has been hidden from you and do not deviate from thestraight path. Remain aligned to the middle path.Keep your aim with our devotion on a path that is sure to lead‘towards us. I have advised you regarding that which was necessary.And the Almighty Allah is a witness upon me and upon you.If we had no love towards you and if we had not cared for yoursuccess and your salvation, and if we had not been caring towardsyou, we would have discontinued communicating with you.And may Allah send his blessings upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad(s.a.w.s.)"(‘Beharul Anwaar’ Vol. 53, Pg. No. 178-180, from ‘AI-Ihtijaj’)Let us ponder upon these priceless words of Imam-e-Zamana (Mayour lives be sacrificed for him) and ask ourselves a question:Who are those who have been addressed by Imam (a.s.) thus?Presented by www.ziaraat.comGlimpses of Al Mahdi (a.s.)Does this concern only a particular group of people in the city of Qumwho had written a question to Imam (a.s.) during the period of MinorOccultation? Or Is it addressed to all the people living in the period ofghaibat?Were the problems of doubts, deviations and disputes confined tothat period only or they are relevant to. Every age also? Are we alsonot affected by such maladies?If it is so then we and all those people who carry the load of thedifficulties of occultation on their shoulders, are also addressed bythe exalted personality in this message. Then why do not we uniteunder the leadership of Hazrat and confess our belief in the society,in the dynamic and effective personality?Come let us see the profundity (depth) of Hazrat’s message when hesays,"We are cognizant of all your affairs and nothing is hiddenfrom us. We are also aware the mistakes that you commitfrom the time, when most of you were inclined towards theevil deeds which your righteous ancestors had shunned."And from the time they turned away from their covenant as ifthey had never made it. We are not deficient ill your welfareand care and your remembrance never leaves our heart. Had itbeen so, calamities would have descended upon you, and yourenemies would have crushed you.Fear Allah and help us and seek our guidance and help toextricate yourself from the mischief that has enveloped you."(Tawqee of Hazrat Vali AI-Asr (a.j.) addressed to ShaikhMufeed (R.A.) Beharul Anwaar Vol. 53, Pgs.175-177. Quotefrom AI Ihtijaj)Is it proper to cause grief to the pious heart of such an affectionateImam who never forgets his followers even for a moment, by our badcharacter and actions?And break our covenant with him?It is incumbent upon those who wish for the attention and favours ofImam (a.s.) to strengthen their covenant with him (a.s.) and toPresented by www.ziaraat.comGlimpses of Al Mahdi (a.s.)remain steadfast and resolute on this covenant. They should protectthis covenant from the filth of their evil deeds and loose character.They should also take heed of the sorrowful words of Imam (a.s.)when he says "If our Shias (May Allah give them tawfeeq of Hisobedience) had been steadfast and united upon this covenant, ourmeeting them would not have delayed. The cause of our distancewith them is that group, whose character is detestable to us."As far as we are concerned, if there is any barrier between us andHazrat (a.s.) it is because of us. He (a.s.) is still in ghaibat due to ourobjectionable character. The way is clear before us. Our duties areclearly defined. The commands of Imam Zamana (a.s.) are present toguide and lead us.It is necessary for us to cleanse the impurities of our soul and to callHazrat (a.s.) with our complete existence. We should wait day andnight in right earnest for the successful revolution of Hazrat (a.s.). Itis the command of Hazrat (a.s.) himself."And wait for the ‘Faraj’ morning and evening"(Imam Sadiq (a.s.) Ghaibat-e-Nomani Pg.158)"Hope for the rule of your master day and night, becauseeveryday there is a new challenge for him and oneengagement does not make him careless of his other duties. "(Imam Sadiq (a.s.) Mikyalul Makarim Vol.2 Pg.157)Be prepared for his help and assistance. If not possible, at least hopefor his reappearance every Friday. The following words should alwaysbe on your lips."O Leader, O Master of the age. Divine blessings be upon youand upon the people of your house. This is Friday, It is yourday. It is the day of your reappearance. The believer willachieve bliss and happiness upon your hand and thedisbelievers annihilation".(A few lines from the Ziarat of Imam Zamana (a.s.) recited on Friday‘Mafatihul Jinan’)The day of Friday has been promised to be a day of yourreappearance and the successful revolution. Whatever has been saidPresented by www.ziaraat.comGlimpses of Al Mahdi (a.s.)about you is not impossible. "Mahdi is from us. Allah will put tight hisaffair overnight.(Mikyalul Makarim Vol.2. Pg.160)Doubtlessly, the sea of Allah’s miracles have no bounds, the sky ofHis Mercy has no horizon and no one can imagine the limit of theocean of His Favours.His exalted ones (Awliya) are also having similar qualities. They aresuch examples of greatness and miracles, highness and mercy thatcharity and forgiveness are their habits and bravery and greatnessare the essence of their existence.*Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) is a member of this exalted and meritoriousfamily. He is in Ghaibat due to some special reasons. Although he isaway from our eyes, yet he is present and helps and guides thebelievers. He is not deficient in this regard. He is always occupied inthe duties of guidance and Imamat, and continues to lead the sons ofShariat (the believers). is His mercy and care are being continuouslyshowered upon the Ummat of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.).Doubtlessly, Hazrat (a.j.) is the supreme leader of the Ummat, theexplorer of true Shariat, the standard bearer of guidance. Hisexistence is the foundation of true guidance. His continued existenceis the basis of the continuous existence of the world of time andspace.However, due to the circumstances that resulted in the Imam’sGhaibat it became pertinent for Hazrat to entrust the duties of theexposition of Islamic laws to the Fuqaha (jurists). These jurists areonly those who have the requisite qualities (of piety and ‘justice) sothat in the event of any problems, these jurists would clear theexisting doubts and expose the truth concerning a particular legalruling. This way, the common people can take refuge with thesejurists and follow them in matters of Islamic law.Thus, the apparent leadership was entrusted to the jurists whoconformed to the criteria as explained by Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (a.s.)in the. following tradition:"From among the jurists, one who has control over his own lusts anddesires (that is, he overcomes and stops his desires to take controlover him) one who is the protector of his religion and is the obedientfollower of the orders of his Imam (a.s.), then it is incumbent uponPresented by www.ziaraat.comGlimpses of Al Mahdi (a.s.)the people to follow their orders. And this will be true only in case ofsome of the Shia ulemas and not all."(Wasaelush Shia Vol.18 Pg.95, Beharul Anwaar Vol.2 Pg.88)and Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) says about them:"For new Problems refer to those who narrate our sayings. Forcertainly they are my Hujjat upon you and I am the Hujjat ofAllah upon them. One who rejects them rejects us and ourrejection is the rejection of Allah."(Ref.: Kamaluddin Pg.484, Beharul Anwaar Vol.53, Pg. 1 81,Wasaelush Shia Vol.18 Pg.101)It is evident that the incidence of the new problems is widespread inthe period of Ghaibat. The history of Ghaibat is replete with suchincidents. Jurisprudence includes the total derivation of Islamic laws.It is not confined only to the meaning of the Quranic Ayats and thetraditions of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) and his progeny (a.s.).Rather the dictionary meaning of "Fuqaha" denotes a person who ishaving profound and exhaustive Knowledge about a particularmatter. In addition to this, he has perceptive powers and integrity.The meaning of ‘Fuqaha’ (derived from ‘faqih’) according to Islamicterminology is a person who is an expert in the derivation of Islamiclaws from their sources and also has perceptive ability and a loftycharacter. The common people are supposed to refer to him andfollow him (do his taqleed) in solving their legal problems.On the basis of this and our religious understanding it becomesnecessary to accept in practice, the authority of a jurisprudent who ishaving the necessary qualities. This was ordered by the Holy Imams(a.s’). We follow their directive in accepting the authority of theFuqaha.It is necessary to point out the fact that although the responsibility ofguidance rests on the Fuqaha, they themselves are not left to fendfor themselves. Imam (a.s.) himself helps and guides them wheneverthe need arises.Imam (a.s.) thus says,"Because they (the Fuqaha) are my proof upon you and I amPresented by www.ziaraat.comGlimpses of Al Mahdi (a.s.)Allah’s proof upon them."Nothing prevents Hazrat (a.s.) from helping and guiding the Fuqahaas well as the common people whenever they are in need. Time andagain, Imam (a.s.) has helped the Fuqaha and came to assist thosewho were in difficulties and had called to him for help.In this book, we present a few incidents when the Imam (a.s.) openlyhelped and guided the Fuqaha and also some common people. Byreading these anecdotes we can enlighten our hearts by increasedremembrance of Hazrat Hujjat (a.s.). This would bring us nearer tothis exalted personality. Another fact which becomes evident fromthese incidents is that Hazrat is cognizant of the social condition ofthe people and whenever they are confronted with a difficult problemand seek help of Hazrat (a.s.), he solves the same by the permissionof Allah.*We live in the hope of receiving our share of blessings from thisexalted household in proportion of our love for them we pray andhope to be included among those who have been blessed by theblessed audience of Imam (a.s.).Before we begin the actual narrations we would like to mention a fewpoints.First of all, these incidents are the irrefutable proofs that even in thetime of ghaibat, Hazrat (a.s.) is always present to help and guide the"Fuqaha" and also the common people.In these incidents, Imam (a.s.) has time and again helped the peopleand Fuqaha openly. Apart from this, history is also replete withincidents when Imam (a.s.) has helped without coming into thepicture. And this type of help is of a greater significance.One can only continue to read these anecdotes till the time theAlmighty Allah orders him to reappear openly and rid the people ofsorrow and grief and emancipate them from their difficulties. All thisdepends upon his [Hazrat’s (a.s.)] mercy and the permission of Allah(a.j.).Secondly, we must not think that only these particular people havebeen blessed by Imam’s (a.s.) help. On the other hand, it is also notthat every religious scholar has the opportunity to meet Hazrat (a.s.).There had been a large number of people who had met Imam (a.s.)but who did not disclose their meeting him and thus those incidentsPresented by www.ziaraat.comGlimpses of Al Mahdi (a.s.)were not recorded in history.It is possible to mention only a few of such incidents in this briefbooklet. Those who are fired with the zeal to see Imam (a.s.) andlove him earnestly can refer to the detailed books mentioned by uson this subject.Another important point is that these incidents do not conflict withthe sayings of Imam (a.s.) wherein he had ruled out the possibility ofmeeting him. "Meeting" in those traditions denotes meeting him atwill. It concerns those who claim to be able to meet Imam (a.s.)whenever they desire. These people claim falsely and try to projectthemselves as his special representatives. It does not include thosewhom Imam (a.s.) met by his own will and wish. The incidentsmentioned in this book are with the meeting of Imam (a.s.). Theynever claimed for themselves, special deputyship of Imam (a.s.).They always considered their audience with Imam (a.s.) to be a sortof a special favour bestowed on them. It is one of the cardinal beliefsof the Shias.Lastly, we would like to mention that those who are afflicted byscepticism in this regard and think that it is highly improbable shouldknow that they are also narrow minded like the materialists. They areengulfed in the dust of ignorance and refuse to believe in theformidable power which the Almighty bestows upon hisrepresentative (Imam a.s.).Nothing is impossible for the Almighty who protected Ibrahim (a.s.)in the fire by Namrood and split the Nile for Musa (a.s.), caused thedead to return to life at the hands of Isa (a.s.). Enabled Nuh (a.s.) tolive for 950 years prior to the deluge. Revealed the Quran to the HolyProphet (s.a.w.s.). He is very well capable of endowing Imam (a.s.)with the strength and ability to perform astonishing feats.Thus it is imperative for us to realise the favours of Imam-e-Zamana(a.s.) and his greatness. We should not despair, rather we shouldsow the seeds of hope in the deepest confines of our heart. We alsoawait ardently for this exalted personality as much as possible. For heis the one who is bestowed with unlimited favours by the Almighty."Do no despair of the mercy of Allah for no one despairs of themercy of Allah except the unbelievers."(Sura Yusuf: 87)Presented by www.ziaraat.comGlimpses of Al Mahdi (a.s.)The Holy Quran also says;"And who is hopeless of the mercy of their Lord except thosewho astrayed ones."(Sura Hijr: 56)Let us imbibe our hearts with the breeze of unlimited Divine mercywithout being misled by the poisonous winds of hopelessness anddespair exuded by Shaitan.